Valleys of world-famous vineyards. Forests of soaring redwoods. Quiet pastoral landscapes. And the dramatic Pacific coast. They could be four separate adventures, but they're not. This is Northern California. For some it's like a pilgrimage. For others, a retreat. For you it's a remarkable week and an incredible ride. Off-route tastings that enlighten your palate. Gourmet meals that live up to the wines. Top-notch spas that relax and rejuvenate. And above all else, breathtaking sights in a remarkable place simply known as Wine Country.

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Traffic and Terrain

The terrain on this trip varies from rolling to steep hills. Be aware that because the Wine Country is a popular destination, some of our biking routes are popular with cyclist and drivers alike, particularly in Napa Valley and specifically on the Silverado Trail. In late summer/early fall during the Crush, grape juice tankers and oak-barrel toting trucks are in abundance; remember to use extra caution when sharing the road with any motor vehicles, especially during the harvest season, and always keep to the right when biking!

Day 1Swirl, sniff, sip and cycle your way through Napa Valley Pedal through the quaint towns of Yountville and St. Helena Taste world-class vintages at wineries along the Silverado Trail, including Frog's Leap, Silver Oak and PlumpJack Soak up some glorious California sunshine at the pool or indulge in a spa treatment in Yountville.

Day 2Take pampering to the next level at award-winning spas Kick into high gear with a climb up the famous Oakville Grade A canyon descent leads to the Carneros region Enjoy the delicate pinot noirs of Carneros before pedaling to Sonoma, the realm of big bold zinfandels Have a look around Sonoma Plaza, then bliss out during Sonoma Mission Inn's signature Bathing Ritual.

Day 3Vineyards give way to eucalyptus groves and wide-open cattle-grazing country
as you pedal toward the ocean Visit galleries, markets and tasting rooms in the vibrant towns dotting Western Sonoma County Bike through windswept headlands to Bodega Bay, set along the dramatic Pacific coast.

Days 4-6Spin past rugged beaches before heading inland along the Russian River Wander through charming Healdsburg—its tasting rooms and restaurants might tempt you to stay awhile Sampling opportunities abound in Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys, where dozens of wineries line our route Enjoy an undulating ride past neatly manicured vineyards, or tackle the well-known climb on Pine Flat Road A special farewell dinner adds a flourish to an unforgettable week.

Routes For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Daily Route Options

Day

EASYGOING

ACTIVE

AVID

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Level 4

Level 5

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

miles

feet gain

1

18

800

31

1000

2

25*

1700

43

2200

52

2900

3

28*

1000

35*

2000

48*

3000

56

3500

59

4500

4

25*

1800

33*

2100

47

2700

57

4000

70

5300

5

21*

800

33*

1500

45

1900

66

5400

6

14*

700

27

1000

note:

* Includes a shuttle

Crank it down While this trip is best for ratings 2-5, you'll find that you can still have a great time on this trip even if you're looking for an easier ride and fewer miles than your traveling companions. For instance, you might want to shuttle to a point closer to the next hotel, or even take the day off on a layover day. Please understand that your room may not be ready for your early arrival, but you can always use the spa or pool facilities.

2015 Dates & Pricing*

CLASSIC TRIPS

8/16-21Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

8/23-28Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

8/30-9/4Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/6-11Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/8-13Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/13-18Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/15-20Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/22-27Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/27-10/2Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

9/29-10/4Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/4-9Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/11-16Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/13-18Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/18-23Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/20-25Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/25-30Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

11/8-13Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

11/15-20Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS

9/20-25Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

10/25-30Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $760 for sgl. occ.)

*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

2016 Dates & Pricing*

CLASSIC TRIPS

3/20-25Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

3/27-4/1Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

4/3-8Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

4/10-15Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

4/17-22Price: $3498 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

4/24-29Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

5/1-6Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

5/8-13Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

5/22-27Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

5/29-6/3Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

6/5-10Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

6/12-17Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

6/19-24Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

6/26-7/1Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

7/3-8Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

7/10-15Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

7/24-29Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

7/31-8/5Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

8/7-12Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

8/14-19Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

8/21-26Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

8/28-9/2Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/4-9Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/6-11Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/11-16Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/13-18Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/18-23Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/20-25Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/2-7Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/4-9Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/9-14Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/11-16Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/16-21Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/18-23Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/25-30Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/30-11/4Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

11/6-11Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

11/13-18Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

SINGLES-SOLOS TRIPS

5/15-20Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

6/12-17Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

7/17-22Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

9/18-23Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

10/23-28Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $940 for sgl. occ.)

*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.

Private Trips Options & Pricing

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.

You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.

If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.

Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)

2015

2 - 3 guests
from $5,398 pp dbl. occ.

8 - 9 guests
from $3,898 pp dbl. occ.

4 - 5 guests
from $4,598 pp dbl. occ.

10 - 11 guests
from $3,298 pp dbl. occ.

6 - 7 guests
from $4,098 pp dbl. occ.

12 or more guests
from $2,998 pp dbl. occ.

2016

2 - 3 guests
from $5,898 pp dbl. occ.

8 - 9 guests
from $4,098 pp dbl. occ.

4 - 5 guests
from $4,898 pp dbl. occ.

10 - 11 guests
from $3,498 pp dbl. occ.

6 - 7 guests
from $4,398 pp dbl. occ.

12 or more guests
from $3,198 pp dbl. occ.

All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.

Guest Trip Reviews

I just came back from the most wonderful trip of my life. I have traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world and never been on a trip as beautifully planned and executed as your Backroads California Wine Country Trip.

Brenda Posey- Prospect Heights, IL

Fabulous bike riding country including vineyards, redwoods, mountains, and ocean all in one trip. I've been to Napa/Sonoma many times over the past 30 years, but it was special to see it via bike. We saw places we didn't know existed.

Cate Serkin- Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

I must say this was one of my life-changing experiences. The itinerary was great, and I felt as though I was able to do as much or as little as I wanted. The routes offered both challenging and exciting rides, and the support was outstanding!

Elaine Diamond- Atlanta, GA

Lots of fun. Wonderful experience. Completely exceeded our expectations. I loved learning about the Napa/Sonoma region, tasting great wines, seeing the change in the countryside and riding some challenging hills.

Ted Walsh- Buffalo, NY

A truly wonderful trip and was a life-changing experience. The people were all wonderful and made a lot of new friends and traveling partners!! You did not miss a thing as a company from the great hotels, to the wonderful trip leaders, to the route raps which were very helpful and the recommendations for restaurants and other things to do. All-around AMAZING time for me!!!

Sandy Carscadden- Canmore, AB

I could not think of one negative thing to say about my trip. I must admit I usually can always find something a little wrong, but I had such a great time, it doesn't sound like me when I describe it to my friends. I can't wait to go again!! The amount of activity was whatever you wanted it to be. I never expected to have soooo much fun. (I'm even home ten days, and still can't stop talking about it!)

Susan Anton- Syosset, NY

I was very happy. I am not a strong cyclist, and hoped that the support system would work out if I was unable to do some of the climbs, etc. It was amazing - totally flexible, and the leaders are both awesome!

Julia Sax- Toronto, Canada

Every aspect of the trip was well planned and very well executed. Among the 12 participants, there was a variety of riding abilities and riding plans. Our leaders were exceptional in their efforts to accommodate everyone's needs and plans in order to make everyone's experience personally satisfying and to make the group dynamics positive at all times. While I was a part of a group, I also had the sense at all times that my own needs and wishes were being attended to by the leaders. Individually and collectively, they were always at the "top of their game."

Warren Self- Christiansburg, VA

After six trips with Backroads I am amazed at how easy the leaders make it for me to push myself to levels that I never dreamed possible all while having fun with a fabulous group of fun fellow travelers. Thanks Backroads for the annual confidence boost!

Theresa Diserio- Powell, OH

I had never done anything like this before and it was absolutely the most amazing trip I've ever taken - everything about it was wonderful! I smiled during the entire trip and have been telling all of my friends about it in the most glowing terms I can think of.

Jo Curran- St. Louis, MO

It far exceeded our expectations and everything fell into place perfectly. The people, biking, scenery was endless, food, accommodations, just everything was great.

John Carini- Marietta, GA

Great trip! Great food, great destination, GREAT weather, great people. Thoroughly enjoyed our trip! The excellent level of service makes your trips well worth it. It allows us to just enjoy the vacation without any of the day-to-day hassles.

Margaret Neuworth- Delafield, WI

Simply an amazing trip... I keep running out of adjectives to describe it! This trip more than met our expectations. I could not even have imagined how wonderful a trip could be until I took this vacation!

John Whetzel- Holly Springs, NC

One of the best vacation experiences we have ever had! Everything was first-class, from the accommodations to the food (great picnic lunches!), Northern California was beautiful and a complete surprise. Loved having the freedom to set our own pace and stop and smell the roses, literally, the roses were unbelievably beautiful! Our trip leaders were the best. They made the trip easy and enjoyable for everyone. Always positive with a "can do" attitude. We are now trying to decide where we want to go next with Backroads! Maybe Tuscany!

Katie Reissig- Austin, TX

Although I was traveling with a group, I did most of my biking by myself. I really enjoyed this. I was able to go at my own pace and really let my mind wander and just take in the beautiful surrounding scenery. I had my directions, my cell phone and the van continually sweeping the route, so I knew I had an excellent support system backing me up. For those who hesitate to book a Backroads trip as you do not like to travel in a group, think of me riding solo through the California Wine Country and loving every minute of it!! This type of trip allows you to experience the region in your own way, yet with the support of a whole team behind you making sure you experience it as fully as you possibly can on your own terms.

Sue Dybowski- Sylvania, OH

Great people, outstanding leaders, amazing food, beautiful riding and an excellent blend of accommodations. This trip was perfect.

Mathew Corse- Atlanta, GA

This was a great trip! I had no idea what I was getting into when I booked this and it was everything I wanted it to be and more! Can't wait to plan another one! I am never going to forget the fun I had. I took a chance and went on a couples trip as a solo and had a blast! The places that you chose for us to visit were great!

Karen Abbe- New York, NY

Not enough superlatives to describe this one-of-a-kind vacation. Everything I could think of had already been planned for and was waiting on me. Such a wonderful luxury to leave the planning and arrangements to Backroads and show up ready for fun! Our trip leaders were an incredible team...informative, helpful, interested and good natured. They were easy to contact, always prepared and lots of fun! It was such a pleasure to rely on their expertise and relax into a true vacation!

Terry Abide Stark- Greensboro, NC

This trip was a challenging and fun experience. Everyone on the trip and all the trip leaders were wonderful. The trip leaders really made you feel comfortable and taken care of during the entire trip.

Deborah Way- New York, NY

The scenery was beautiful and the routes we took were perfect as they gave us a true feel for the differing and varied climates of the wine country. The entire experience was magical. I didnt want the week to end as we were having such a great time!